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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Mark Wakefield

'Must not forget' - Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk sets World Cup aim after scoring Netherlands winner

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was the hero for his country on Sunday night.

The Reds centre-back was in action for the Netherlands as they faced Belgium in the Nations League. Louis van Gaal's side claimed a 1-0 win at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, with Van Dijk on the scoresheet.

With the match level going into the 73rd minute, a Cody Gakpo corner was met by the head of Van Dijk, with the defender guiding the ball into the net. The goal came on what was the Dutchman’s 47th cap for his country.

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Victory for the Netherlands secured top spot in the Nations League group A4, with Belgium second and Poland third. Wales were relegated from the group, after finishing bottom with just one point from six matches.

Football Oranje handed out their ratings for the Netherlands players against Belgium. Van Dijk was given an eight out of 10, with an impressive assessment.

“As usual, he was strong defensively, but he also got Netherlands going in the second half with an excellent long ball to Taylor before he then headed in the winning goal.”

Reacting to his goal and the victory, Van Dijk told reporters: "It was not a good game, but we won. That's what we came for. This gives a nice feeling, although it should be much better.

"But we must not forget that we are playing against Belgium. That's one of the best teams in the world. We are going to the World Cup with a good feeling. We kept the clean sheet here and won. We're going for it, we're going to give everything. Hopefully it will be a special World Cup."

Van Dijk was not the only Liverpool player to be on the scoresheet while on international duty this week. Mohamed Salah scored twice for Egypt against Niger, while Diogo Jota got his first goal of the season in Portugal’s 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.

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